The left side delivers the spectacular Swiss Alps panorama on departure, which is one of the finest aerial views in Europe. The landing views on the right are excellent but shorter in duration. Over the full flight the left side also tracks the Iberian Peninsula coastline in the distance during the southwesterly cruise, making it the stronger overall choice.
Flown ZRH to PDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Ponta Delgada is 1,848 miles (2,975 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over France, crossing the Loire Valley and the Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux or Biarritz. It then crosses northern Spain over the Cantabrian Mountains and the Meseta plateau before reaching the Portuguese coast near Porto or Lisbon. The final leg is entirely over the open North Atlantic, with no land visible for roughly 1,500 km before São Miguel appears.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south or runway 28 heading west. A left-side seat gives you the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, then as the aircraft turns west you get the Swiss Alps panorama including the Bernese Oberland peaks. Right side faces north toward the Zurich lowlands which are far less dramatic.
Landing at PDL
RIGHTSão Miguel Island's runway at João Paulo II Airport runs roughly east-west. Aircraft typically approach from the east over the ocean and land heading west, or approach from the west. On a flight arriving from the northeast (from Europe), the approach often brings the aircraft along the north coast. A right-side seat gives you the volcanic calderas — Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo — and the dramatic green interior of São Miguel as you descend over the island.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Ponta Delgada. The left side delivers the spectacular Swiss Alps panorama on departure, which is one of the finest aerial views in Europe. The landing views on the right are excellent but shorter in duration. Over the full flight the left side also tracks the Iberian Peninsula coastline in the distance during the southwesterly cruise, making it the stronger overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south or runway 28 heading west. A left-side seat gives you the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, then as the aircraft turns west you get the Swiss Alps panorama including the Bernese Oberland peaks. Right side faces north toward the Zurich lowlands which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Bernese Alps (Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau group on the horizon), Lake Zug.
What can I see when landing at Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
When landing at Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. São Miguel Island's runway at João Paulo II Airport runs roughly east-west. Aircraft typically approach from the east over the ocean and land heading west, or approach from the west. On a flight arriving from the northeast (from Europe), the approach often brings the aircraft along the north coast. A right-side seat gives you the volcanic calderas — Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo — and the dramatic green interior of São Miguel as you descend over the island. Notable sights include: Sete Cidades caldera (twin lakes), Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel's north coast cliffs, Ponta Delgada city waterfront.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Ponta Delgada?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,848 miles (2,975 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Ponta Delgada flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over France, crossing the Loire Valley and the Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux or Biarritz. It then crosses northern Spain over the Cantabrian Mountains and the Meseta plateau before reaching the Portuguese coast near Porto or Lisbon. The final leg is entirely over the open North Atlantic, with no land visible for roughly 1,500 km before São Miguel appears.